Don King Kiev presser

By Alexey “Oscar” Potapov

Alexey 'Oscar' Potapov

Legendary promoter Don King held a press conference in Kiev, Ukraine together with Kiev mayor Leonid Chernovetskyi and Ukrainian promoters Vadim Bukhkalov and Stepan Chernovetskyi. King, who was in the Ukraine on the invitation former WBA light welterweight champion Andriy Kotelnik, was delighted with his warm reception.

“I am very glad that I could visit Ukraine, in Kiev. It is a magnificent city,” said King, “I can compare it to New York and Paris. You are very hospitable, open people. I love Ukraine. I love the Ukrainian people. I shall become a voice which will shout all over the world about what a remarkable country this is and what fine people live here! The beauty of the Ukrainian women has especially amazed me. They are fine! Here again, I see all the beauties here. I’m proud that I will work with Ukrainian boxers and represent Ukraine on the world scene.”

Fightnews.com had some questions for King:

Why have you decided to work with Andriy Kotelnik?

I started paying attention to him after the fight against Marcos Maidana. When he lost to Amir Khan, I knew that he wanted to replace his promoter. During our dialogue, first of all he didn’t think about the contract, but about mutually advantageous cooperation. His time now has come. In the USA I’ll arrange big fights for him. The first is on August 7th against Devon Alexander. His place is in America among the best boxers in the world. He’s a very energetic guy.

You are also the promoter Devon Alexander. Do you think fight Alexander-Kotelnik will be interesting?

Yes. This fight will be interesting for millions of boxing fans. I think that whoever wins has great talent. If Kotelnik wins, I can organize a rematch against Amir Khan for him. Andriy will train in the same training camp used by Mike Tyson and Muhammed Ali earlier.

Millions fans of boxing wish to see a fight between Vitali Klitschko and Nikolai Valuev. Will this fight take place?

There were a lot of reasons this fight wasn’t made: financial, political, social. But it will necessarily take place! After all, this fight is what people have been waiting for a long time for in the heavyweight division. Klitschko represents Ukraine, Valuev represents St. Petersburg, Russia. And this great occasion can only can be in world boxing! It’s a great fight that will light up the hearts of millions of fans, as “Rumble in the Jungle” did. They’ll even hear about this fight in Africa. But for this to happen it’s necessary that Vitali agree on the fight, agree to defend honor of his country in a fight with Valuev. We are ready to fight!